The World Health Organization recognizes the ability of acupuncture and traditional Oriental medicine to treat over 43 common disorders including:
- Gastrointestinal Disorders, such as food allergies, peptic ulcer, chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gastrointestinal weakness, anorexia and gastritis
- Uro-genital Disorders, including stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunction
- Gynecological Disorders, such as irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation, infertility in women and men, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Respiratory Disorders, such as emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies and bronchitis
- Disorders of the Bones, Muscles, Joints and Nervous System, such as arthritis, migraine headaches, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness and low back, neck and shoulder pain
- Circulatory Disorders, such as hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis and anemia
- Emotional and Psychological Disorders, including depression, and anxiety
- Addictions, such as alcohol, nicotine and drugs
- Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders
Note: Acupuncture is often effective therapy for other chronic and painful debilitating disorders which have no clear explanation or origin.